Colorado Composite Discussion Thread

[idigrust]

Use this thread for any additions or corrections.

[Scott Rollert]

This composite list covers Colorado cans from 1935 to 1976. No test cans or commemorative cans are listed. Mark Rodgers Coors list has more detailed information than the original, and I'd like to thank Mark for his efforts.

This list was originally compiled by the late Walter Herget, a Colorado can specialist who may have been one of the first collectors to categorize canning codes. His lists originally appeared in the BCCA magazines from the early 1980's. Since then, there have been many cans discovered that weren't on Walt's list. This newer version I've been working on has as many of these new cans added as I could verify. I'm sure there will be more additions as time goes by, so be sure to check the cover page for the latest update date.

As you may notice, there are some cans listed without can codes. These cans were on Walt's original list, but need verification. If you have a can that need to be added to the list, please provide pictures (especially can codes) here.

[Scott Rollert]

This post is a continuation of the Walter's 12 oz. post Colin started. It relates to the glued seam "test" cans from Walter Brewing Co. of Pueblo CO. As I was working on the composite, the matter of these "test" came to light. There are 3 cans listed in the USBC II test can section, which I have shown below. All these cans have the glued seam construction, are National Can Co., have zip codes and have the contents listed in a different area than their "liquor store shelf" counterparts. There is also a Colorado Imperial that has surfaced with this type of can construction.

I left these type cans out of the composite for a couple of reasons. First, I have never seen a dumper example of these types of cans. Second, there are examples of these labels that are "liquor store shelf" cans, but of a different seam construction. These cans are listed in the composite. The Walter's Colin dumped (see his post in the General Discussion) and the Hynne I posted on his thread have the normal "wide" soldered seam, like the Gold Label in the following pics. The yellow band Gold Label is a "test" can I got back in the 90's with the glued seam. The middle Gold Label is a can my dad bought for the collection in the mid 70's. The Light is one of the very last cans Walters produced. As you can see, it's an American Can Co. can.

Note the seam construction of the middle can and how it matches the Walter's & Hynne from Colin's post. I feel this is the key to production can vs. test can. A good theory to all this is towards the end of Walter Brewing (Jan. 1976), they had a contract with National. National made some mock up labels for the brewery, and actually made some production cans with the wide soldered seam. For the last run of cans, Walters used the American Can Company. Again, it's just a theory. If anyone out there reading this has a dumper example of the glued seam labels, PLEASE post pics here. I will certainly add them to the composite.

[Colin S.]

Good work here Scott.

So I've been searching my shelves hoping to add some goog information in answering the question if any of those glued seemed Walter's were filled, purchased, and drank. I have a few of those Walter's air filled cans that were common in the 80s, and I noticed that they didn't have any codes on the bottoms even though one did have the 3.2 writing.

I was hoping, then, to find some of those National 12ozs with the similar “water drop” tab without the litter advisement. Unfortunately I don’t have any that are clearly air filled. They all have codes.

So then I wondered if I had any later Walter’s cans that appeared to be filled which didn’t have codes. These, though, are probably too early for the Walter’s codes.

So, does anyone have any Walter’s National cans that are air filled without codes? Would that suggest that the ones with codes were filled? Does anyone have any National glued seem cans that are dumpers from any brewery? There must be some California labels?

[Scott Rollert]

On a side note here Colin, the last pic you posted with the 3 Walter's (flat, zip & U), is the U lid a zip or tab? I noticed there isn't a U-tab yet in the composite. I'm figuring there's one out there.

[Colin S.]

It's a zip. I have a bock as a U-tab that I think you gave to me.

[canman65]

For what it's worth... Here are mine.

[John S.]

Tivoli can like 138-38, 3.2 lid, CCC can.

face

lid

CCC

[Scott Rollert]

Thanks John! Noted and will be added on the next update. This variety has the 3.2% top lid on the CCC coded label.

For guys that are looking at this thread, especially if you collect Colorado cans... what John posted is exactly what I need to add/correct to the master list.

[Colin S.]

Scott and Mark,

Are you listing seam variations also? There is a Coors red ribbon can with a 5-toothed seam.

[Scott Rollert]

I didn't list seam variations on my part of the list, although there is a post war variation listed for the Ribbon Coors. I think it's for the patent info. Check Marks list as he was more detailed in his comments.

I just looked at the post war Ribbon can & neither list has a seam variety. Post your pics here Colin & I can add it easy enough on the next update.

[Leon]

How tough is the dark Blue background on the Colorado Gold Label can on right. Book sez $60.00. Can on left is 1965 Fan Tab. is it tough as a fan tab? LEON.

[Scott Rollert]

The dark blue background in a tab IS harder than the lighter blue can, but around here you can get one for considerably less than $60. Of more interest to me is the can on the left. I need you to check the can code. With the contents on the front, it should be Nat'l. Can. If it a fan tab, it's one of the earliest versions of that can. Can you post a pic of the top & can code? I'd like to note it on the composite.

[Leon]

It's a National can. Has the USA outline with National can in it. Outside of this near Florida is a small circled R. Did not see any #'s. When you say can code are you looking for plant #'s or just the national map symbol? LEON.

[Scott Rollert]

The Nat'l. map is enough. On this label, the cans with the contents on the front are from National Can. Just checking. But as I mentioned, if it's a fan tab it's a very early version of this label. Could you post a pic of the top and front of it?

[Leon]

Here's a Pic of the fan tab top. How tough is the fan tab over the regular tab? LEON.

[Scott Rollert]

Thanks for the pic Leon. I'd say it's probably a little tougher than it's later counterpart. I never paid much attention to the different lid styles until I started working on this composite list. Now I look at all these minor varieties to keep the list as detailed as I can.

This variation will be added on the next update. Any more you think you may have, feel free to post. Be sure to look over the list, too.

[Mark (expired)]

I haven't tried to figure out all of the seam differences, but have at least pictured the ones on the cans with canning differences in "COOR-pendium". I also did not get into lids differnces, but they can also help to date cans, I just don't know enough about them. Happy to try to help.

[Scott Rollert]

I don't see a reason not to include some seam differences into the list. It's so easy to make additions with the spreadsheet format. All I need is photographic proof (like Leon & John) to make additions. Both those variations have been added to the 1-5-13 update, along with a few minor can code additions I found as I went through my collection this weekend.

[Scott Rollert]

Regarding the comment Colin made about the seam differences. Colin, are you referring to the Coors IRTP post war "Ribbon" can? I looked at my 3 patent can, and it has a 5 tooth seam with a 98-A can code. Do you have a 3 patent that's different? If you do, I'd like to see pics & add it to the list.

On a totally different note, I noticed another Walters can from Pacific. The Gold Label can from Gold Label Brewing, which leads me to think that can is alot older than I originally thought. Just sayin'...

[Scott Rollert]

For those who are following this thread & composite list, it has been updated as of 1-5-13. Check periodically as additions are likely.

[Boardman]

Minor update for the list

8oz Pikes Peak DNCMT lid variation (got away from me)

Still looking at my cans and comparing them to the composite; getting ready to start w/ the Coors.

Michael

[canman65]

I also watched that one. I may have it allready.. I'll check. Also Scott, The only time I see the coloraod gold label with the contents on the face. It's a fan.. just like Leon's. And mine. I think we are in a never ending addiction !

[Mark (expired)]

Hi Scott,

The three patent red ribbon can I have is marked 68-A and then the diamond w/one dot inside and two dots to the right which I think is a 1946 canning symbol. The seam on mine is a 3 slight welds... does your 98-A have a canning symbol beyond the code?

[Scott Rollert]

Michael, the can lid is noted and will be added. But I need the USBC no., and you might want to check the can code as well.

Jack, the CO Gold Label I have with the contents on the front is a later Lift Ring And Pull "teardrop" tab. I think I added the fan tab lid to the list on the last update.

Mark, the 3 patent Ribbon I have (and Colin has, I believe) is a 98-A with the diamond, dot in the middle, dot upper right and lower right,1946 code. Seam is 5 tooth. Let me know if you need a pic for your Coorspendium.

I've been contacted by Jim Stille regarding the list. I have a feeling there will be a number of new additions coming, so be sure to check in periodically for the next update.

Like Jack said, we're in for a never ending addiction...

[Boardman]

Michael, the can lid is noted and will be added. But I need the USBC no., and you might want to check the can code as well.

Canning code looks like Ccc 40 and the USBC # is 242-6 (8oz first pikes peak)

thanks for the updates

Michael

[Scott Rollert]

Thanks for the info Michael. As you may have noticed, I put up an update/addition topic in the hopes of making it easy to see what was added and when the list was updated. Your can will be on the next update, along with a Coors ribbon can code variation.

[canman65]

Hi Scott,
I check my two newer Coors flats Both are on the list! I did need both for my collection too! Jack.

[Scott Rollert]

My aim is to have a list that is as detailed as I can make it. Good to see you checking your new acquisitions with the list Jack. I'm hoping in the next few weeks to have some more additions to make once I hear back from Jim Stille. Periodically check the update/addition topic to see when they get added.

I've made a personal copy with grades put in the check boxes of my shelf cans. Printed it out and will have it with me for the next Mile Hi trade this weekend. I'm looking at CO cans now that I wouldn't have had a second thought of checking before. The can codes are fascinating!

[Scott Rollert]

New update posted. Shout out to Daev, Boardman and Colin S. for the additions.